“What happens if a cavity is too deep?”
I am a 31 year old male. I want to know what happens if a cavity is too deep?
10 Answers
If the decay continues it will go to the nerve. When it infects the nerve, a root canal or and extraction is the only way to treat it.
Hello,
Cavities tend to get bigger as the bacteria gets further and further into the tooth. Unfortunately, when they get to close to the center of the tooth (the pulp chamber where the nerve is) a root canal needs to be done because there is no way to get the bacteria and decay out of the tooth with out causing inflammation of the blood vessels and irritation of the nerve inside the tooth. This is usually what is going on already by the time you feel pain or sensitivity in your tooth. It is also to keep in mind that location plays a role in the cavity as well. If the cavity is in the biting surface of the tooth (occlusal), then it can get pretty big before it causes a problem. If the cavity is down on the gum line and between the roots it can cause a problem before it gets too deep. It could even mean the need to remove the tooth.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Cavities tend to get bigger as the bacteria gets further and further into the tooth. Unfortunately, when they get to close to the center of the tooth (the pulp chamber where the nerve is) a root canal needs to be done because there is no way to get the bacteria and decay out of the tooth with out causing inflammation of the blood vessels and irritation of the nerve inside the tooth. This is usually what is going on already by the time you feel pain or sensitivity in your tooth. It is also to keep in mind that location plays a role in the cavity as well. If the cavity is in the biting surface of the tooth (occlusal), then it can get pretty big before it causes a problem. If the cavity is down on the gum line and between the roots it can cause a problem before it gets too deep. It could even mean the need to remove the tooth.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
If the cavity is too deep, it could reach the nerve. If this happens, you will end up needing a RCT and a crown.
Many things can happen. You could have to extract the tooth, you may need a root canal treatment. You could have a pulp cap and a crown or onlay, you could have a large restoration.
You may need a root canal or ultimately lose the tooth. You should have a dentist look at it.
A root canal or extraction would be needed.
Rev. Dr. Laurentis Barnett
Rev. Dr. Laurentis Barnett
If a cavity is too deep, you may have to make some decisions. Your dentist may try to "save" your tooth. If your cavity has not entered the pulp chamber of your tooth, an indirect pulp capping may be tried. A layer of material is placed over the area near your nerve chamber. This layer provides insulation and medication. Your tooth is then restored. If the cavity enters the pulp chamber, then a direct pulp capping is done. The open chamber is medicated, then a layer of material is placed over the opening and the tooth is restored. There are 2 PROCEDURES may or may not work. You may be told that you that you need a root canal. Root canals may or may not work. With the 3 PROCEDURES stated, you have to be careful what you eat. Biting nuts; ice chewing, hard candies, gummy sticky candy DESTROYS teeth. Implants are far too expensive. If patients haven't taken care of the teeth they have, implants require good home care. This is why flossing correctly daily and brushing correctly daily is so important. With the latest research, poor mouth care can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can affect our present and future health.
If a cavity is too deep, it can inflame the nerve of the tooth, causing discomfort and leading to a root canal and sometimes the loss of the tooth.
Deep cavities can result in the need for root canal treatment or extraction (loss of the tooth). Cavities left untreated usually result in pain.
You will expose the nerve.
